Why Keep Two?

*A retelling for children, based on **Portals to Freedom** by Howard Colby Ives (George Ronald, 1937).*

1 / 7

It was very early in the morning at an inn in the little town of Dublin, New Hampshire. From her window, a lady who was staying there saw 'Abdu'l-Bahá walking up and down outside, speaking to His secretary.

2 / 7

Then an old man walked by. His clothes were ragged, and his trousers were so worn out that they barely covered his legs. 'Abdu'l-Bahá sent His secretary to call him back. He took the old man's hand and smiled at him like a friend. He talked with him for a few moments, trying to cheer him up. Then He laughed gently and said something like this: the old man's trousers were not much use, and they must do something about it.

3 / 7

The street was empty. 'Abdu'l-Bahá stepped into the shadow of the porch, took off His own trousers under His long robe, and gave them to the old man. "May God go with you," He said. Then He went back to His secretary as if nothing unusual had happened.

4 / 7

Howard Colby Ives heard this story from the lady and wrote it down. He also wrote that long before, when 'Abdu'l-Bahá was a prisoner in 'Akká, He often gave His bed to people who had none, and He would never own more than one coat. He said:

5 / 7

> Why should I have two, when there are so many who have none?

6 / 7

*This is a retelling for children. For the fuller account, see ["Why Should I Have Two?"](/stories/pf-why-should-i-have-two).*

7 / 7